New school year, same old problems

As a new academic year approaches, vocational training schools nationwide are facing familiar problems. Despite the fact that their students are able to find jobs quite easily, the schools are unable to meet their enrollment targets. Workers at the Gia Dinh Textile and Garment Corporation in Ho Chi Minh City at a tailoring contest in May. Yet again, blame is being apportioned to the lower status that vocational training has in Vietnamese society, barriers to transfer credits that would facilitate students to pursue higher studies at universities and low pay after graduation. “Last year, we expected to enroll some 1,000 students but only had 750. I don’t think the situation is better this year,” said Bui Quang Son, director of Bao Loc District Vocational Training Center in Lam Dong Province. Son said many people look down on vocation education as being inferior to regular studies. High school graduates treat it as a last resort. Furthermore, “more and more universities and colleges are opening and enrolling students. This makes it difficult for vocational training institutions to attract students,” Son said. According to the General Department of Vocational Training, more than 75 percent of students from vocational schools get jobs right after their graduation – a high percentage. Nguyen Duc Tan, vice rector of the Ha Giang Vocational School, said his school is looking to attract 2,000 new students this year, but expects to fulfill only 60 percent of the goal. “Vocational education is not highly valued and firms do not prioritize…